Hannity Smears “Chicano” Author As Anti-White By Taking Quote Out Of Context

I saw this crazy stuff on TV this week. If you have time check out the insanity... FOX insanity that is. Click this link to view the video and text: FOX NOOZ?

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The Invisible Chicano

[Click image of the printable PDF poster to enlarge. Copyright 2008 Jesus Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved.]

If you travel outside the Southwest, a strange phenomenon occurs. Chicanos* become invisible.

This ubiquitous phenomenon is most obvious on East Coast campuses. Chicano culture is not valued here. Chicanocentric art and history are dismissed with nary a thought.

[Click: To learn more about Chicano Studies]

They value traditional courses (you know what they are.) Occasionally they deliver a course on African-Americans or Afro-Latins. East Coasters know a bit (only a little bit) about the African Diaspora. Please don't ask them about Nepantla and Aztlan.

I am a strong proponent of more diversity. We need more classes on Asian-American, American-Indian, African-American and Chicano culture. Lord knows we are drowning in European culture, like it or not.

Here is an important fact. Today (2008), Chicanos are the largest minority group in the USA. Even with a new fence on the border, Chicanos will continue to expand their presence. Chicanos are migrating all across our country including Iowa, New York and Georgia. Yes, the Mexicano/Chicano Diaspora is changing the face of America. Some Americans don't appreciate the new paradigm. Do you?

The University of Minnesota understands what is taking place. Unlike those East Coast schools, they are hiring professors in Chicano Studies. Eventually, hopefully, some East Coast schools will consider expanding their knowledge base. In the interim, you can take classes on the Northern-Renaissance and the Crusades.

By the way you don’t have to be brown to teach Chicanocentric courses. In my opinion, all you need is a healthy respect and understanding of the cultural nuances. Admitting that Chicano culture is relevant in today's world is the first step towards creating a curriculum that effectively embraces the new American paradigm.

*Chicanas, Chicanos and Chicana/os

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Public Forum on Lynching at the University of Redlands

The Department of Art and the Department of Art History at the University of Redlands invite participation in a public forum, Lynched: Reflection and Resistance at the Peppers Art Gallery, Thursday, Mar. 6, 2008, 7 to 9 p.m. A reception with the artists follows at the University’s Alumni House.

The public forum responds to the exhibition, The Edge of Conscience: The Long Shadow of Lynching that runs Feb. 19 to Mar. 16, 2008 at the Peppers Art Gallery.

University of Redlands’ Professor Ann Marie Leimer will moderate the panel. She said, “Most people think of lynching as a phenomenon that took place only in the South, but it also occurred in California as well as many other places in the Unites States. In California, Mexicans were often targets of these racist attacks.”

Dr. Leimer added, “Historically, the issue of the victim's guilt is secondary or often inconsequential in a lynching. The mob serves as prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner. Grounded in a discussion of artworks produced by Ann Tyler and Constance White, the panel will explore the impact of lynching and its effect on the American psyche. The panel will also examine these issues within the context of recent events, such as the Jena 6.”

The distinguished panel includes the artists Professors Ann Tyler and Constance White, from the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as scholars Dr. Sheila Lloyd, University of Redlands, and Dr. Tiffany López, University of California, Riverside.

Since the exhibition and forum will examine issues of racial violence in the United States, it may not be suitable for all audiences. This event has been generously supported by Student Life, Diversity Affairs, Women’s Studies, Race and Ethnic Studies, the Department of Art and the Department of Art History at the University of Redlands.

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For more information please contact: Ann Marie Leimer, Ph.D., University or Redlands, (909) 748-8505, ann_leimer@redlands.edu